Peter Diana, Post-Gazette Starter Kip Wells delivers a pitch to a Milwaukee batter as part of the six innings he went last night at PNC Park. Click photo for larger image. Minor League Report: 5/14/2005

Because left-hander Chris Capuano started for Milwaukee last night, Michael Restovich didn't have to wait long to make his Pirates debut.

The newest Pirate started in left field, batting seventh, which probably will be his regular role while Craig Wilson is on the disabled list after finger surgery.

"That's all I can ask for," Restovich said. "I'm really excited about the opportunity here. I'll get a chance to play, and it seems like we have a good group of guys here. There's an attitude here that things are going to turn around. I'm just happy to be part of it."

Restovich, 26, is the right-handed hitter the Pirates acquired Wednesday from Colorado for a player to be named. The Pirates are Restovich's fourth team since the end of March.

Minnesota put him on waivers, and Tampa Bay claimed him March 31. A week later, the Devil Rays designated him for assignment and the Rockies claimed him. Last Monday, the Rockies put him on waivers and the Pirates traded for him rather than allow another team to claim him.

Restovich's minor-league numbers make him an interesting player. In his seven seasons in the Minnesota organization, Restovich had at least 20 home runs and 60 RBIs three times. Another year, he had 19 home runs and 107 RBIs.

After the 1999 season, he played in the California Fall League, where he was managed by Lloyd McClendon.

"A big, strong kid with good power to the opposite field," McClendon said. "He has a pretty decent arm. He's a very intelligent player."

Restovich, who had signed to attend Notre Dame, instead signed with the Twins when they drafted him in the second round of the 1997 amateur draft.

His name arose in July when the Pirates were in the process of trading Kris Benson. The Twins had some interest in Benson and probably would have given the Pirates Restovich. However, the Pirates were more interested in third baseman Michael Cuddyer.

Restovich is a Pirate now, though. He can play all three outfield positions, but he'll primarily play left field against left-handed starters and come off the bench against right-handers.

"I'm not in a situation where I have to go out and hit two home runs in a game or do something that isn't physically possible," Restovich said. "That's when you get in trouble, when you try to do too much. I'm just going to try to have good at-bats and try to get comfortable."

Sadler sent down

To make roster room for Restovich, the Pirates optioned outfielder Ray Sadler back to Class AA Altoona.

"He showed a lot of promise," McClendon said. "I was very impressed with his defensive play. He didn't seem overmatched at the plate or by the speed of the game. I liked what I saw. I think he has a bright future."

Perez update

There's no word on when Oliver Perez will start again. He threw a bullpen session yesterday and will be evaluated today.

Perez, who was skipped in the rotation last Wednesday, could start Wednesday against Chicago, but that would mean Kip Wells would go a week between starts, something the Pirates don't want to do.

That could push Perez back to starting next weekend against Colorado.

"How he progresses is going to dictate where he fits back in," McClendon said.

If Perez doesn't progress, he could land on the disabled list.

"I hope not," McClendon said. "We're trying to avoid that type of stuff. Obviously, the DL is the last option. But are we ruling it out? No, of course not."

North Side notches

Shortstop Jack Wilson was scratched from the lineup last night because of a stomach virus. Freddy Sanchez replaced him in the lineup.

McClendon will miss tomorrow's game so he can attend the graduation of his daughter, Schenell, from Valparaiso University. Schenell majored in languages, plans to attend law school at Valparaiso and then become an international lawyer. Must make McClendon proud. "Like any other dad," he said, smiling.

The Hall of Fame has asked for and will receive the glove Pirates closer Jose Mesa wore when he earned his 300th career save April 27.

Infielder Alfredo Amezaga cleared waivers and has been assigned to Class AAA Indianapolis.